OBJECTIVE: This open-label extension study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin (0.4 mg as a modified release formulation) once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) treated for up to 3 years. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from two European, 12-week, placebo-controlled trials. This analysis reports on 355 patients randomized originally totamsulosin (n = 244) orplacebo (n = 111) in the two placebo-controlled trials with follow-up data for up to 3 years. RESULTS: The significant improvements in the primary efficacy parameters, maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) and total Boyarsky symptom score that were observed during the placebo-controlled trials were sustained throughout the long-term extension study for up to 3 years in patients who remained on therapy. Mean Q(max) increased from baseline (range 0.7-1.8 ml/s; p < 0.05 vs. baseline) and remained between 11.5 and 12 ml/s during the entire follow-up period. Total Boyarsky symptom score also improved from baseline (range -3.7 to -4.1 (or -39 to -44%); p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Similarly, the percentage of treatment responders, defined as an increase in Q(max) of >/=30% or a decrease in total symptom score of >/=25%, remained constant throughout the 3-year period. The number of patients who had a clinically significant total Boyarsky symptom score response ranged between 69 and 80%. During the 3-year study period, 95 patients (27%) experienced an adverse event considered to be possibly or probably related to study medication, the most common of which (occurring in </=6% of patients) were dizziness and abnormal ejaculation. There were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure or pulse rate during the study. CONCLUSION: Long-term tamsulosin therapy is safe, well-tolerated and improvements in urinary flow and symptoms are maintained in patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO who remain on treatment for up to 3 years. Copyright 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This open-label extension study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin (0.4 mg as a modified release formulation) once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) treated for up to 3 years. METHODS:Patients were enrolled from two European, 12-week, placebo-controlled trials. This analysis reports on 355 patients randomized originally to tamsulosin (n = 244) or placebo (n = 111) in the two placebo-controlled trials with follow-up data for up to 3 years. RESULTS: The significant improvements in the primary efficacy parameters, maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) and total Boyarsky symptom score that were observed during the placebo-controlled trials were sustained throughout the long-term extension study for up to 3 years in patients who remained on therapy. Mean Q(max) increased from baseline (range 0.7-1.8 ml/s; p < 0.05 vs. baseline) and remained between 11.5 and 12 ml/s during the entire follow-up period. Total Boyarsky symptom score also improved from baseline (range -3.7 to -4.1 (or -39 to -44%); p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Similarly, the percentage of treatment responders, defined as an increase in Q(max) of >/=30% or a decrease in total symptom score of >/=25%, remained constant throughout the 3-year period. The number of patients who had a clinically significant total Boyarsky symptom score response ranged between 69 and 80%. During the 3-year study period, 95 patients (27%) experienced an adverse event considered to be possibly or probably related to study medication, the most common of which (occurring in </=6% of patients) were dizziness and abnormal ejaculation. There were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure or pulse rate during the study. CONCLUSION: Long-term tamsulosin therapy is safe, well-tolerated and improvements in urinary flow and symptoms are maintained in patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO who remain on treatment for up to 3 years. Copyright 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.